Overview
- Government reviewers approved the transaction and the parties closed the deal late Saturday, first reported by The Athletic and confirmed in a joint statement.
- ESPN acquires NFL Network, linear distribution rights to NFL RedZone, and the league’s fantasy platform, while the NFL receives a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
- NFL Network will be integrated into ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service for the 2026 season, with NFL Media employees becoming ESPN employees in April.
- ESPN’s annual NFL slate increases to 28 games as Monday Night Football doubleheaders end, with seven games airing on NFL Network and four reclaimed windows expected to be sold, likely to a streamer.
- The NFL retains NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com and digital RedZone ownership and distribution, as ESPN handles linear RedZone carriage and gains rights to the RedZone brand.